The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, a potential vector of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae causing erysipelas in hens

Abstract

Erysipelas is a bacterial disease caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, which may infect swine as well as several other species of mammals and birds, including domestic fowl. In poultry, erysipelas may cause sudden high mortality due to septicemia. This communication describes the first isolation of E. rhusiopathiae from the haematophagous poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae DeGeer (Acari: Dermanyssidae), that was collected on three farms where hen erysipelas was diagnosed. The bacteria were isolated from the integument as well as from the interior of the mites. Serotypes 1a and 1b of E. rhusiopathiae found in the mites corresponded with those isolated from the diseased birds. These findings imply that D. gallinae is a potential vector of E. rhusiopathiae. The current lack of effective measures to control D. gallinae causes recurring mite problems in poultry facilities once afflicted by this parasite. Consequently, mites containing E. rhusiopathiae may act as reservoir hosts of this bacterium, allowing it to persist in the poultry house between flock cycles as a source of infection for the replacement pullets. The zoonotic potentials of both E. rhusiopathiae and D. gallinae should also be considered.

Erysipelas in the critically endangered kakapo (Strigops habroptilus)

“…Further microbiological studies, including DNA typing of the various isolates, will be necessary to confirm the source of infection. Other potential sources and vectors of erysipelas include fish (Fidalgo et al ., 2000; Lehane & Rawlin, 2000), marine mammals (Kinsel et al ., 1997), human handlers (Boo et al ., 2003;Brooke & Riley, 1999;Maestre et al ., 2001) and ectoparasites (Chirico et al ., 2003). Surveillance of local birds and ectoparasites is recommended in order to learn more about the epidemiology of the disease.…”

“…In many species, outbreaks are associated with rainy, cold weather. Sources of the organism may be contaminated feed, soil, or decaying matter; infected carrier birds within the flock; ectoparasites; or infected rodents (Gerlach, 1994;Bricker & Saif, 1997;Brooke & Riley, 1999;Fidalgo et al ., 2002;Chirico et al ., 2003).…”

Toxicity of geraniol solutionin vitroto the poultry red mite,Dermanyssus gallinae

“…In extreme cases, mite population levels may be so high as to cause anaemia, and even death of hens (Cosoroaba, 2001). Furthermore, D. gallinae may serve as a vector for numerous poultry pathogens (Chirico et al, 2003). Control of D. gallinae has typically been achieved through synthetic acaricides.…”

Acarosis y zoonosis relacionadas

“…La bacteria se multiplica y se transmite a la próxima generación por vía trans-estadial, con retransmisión a otras aves por picaduras 33 . De este ácaro se ha aislado B. burgdorferi, B. anserina, agente de la espiroquetosis de las aves, Listeria monocytogenes, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae y los virus de la encefalitis equina del oeste, encefalitis de San Luis, encefalitis equina venezolana y virus del Nilo Occidental 24,[34][35][36] . En algunos casos se ha demostrado la transmisión del agente a las aves, no así del ácaro al hombre 25 .…”

“…Desarrolla su ciclo vital en siete días. Sobrevive hasta 3 ó 4 semanas fuera del hospedero 34 . En el hombre produce lesiones papulares pruriginosas, papulo-urticariales o papulo-vesiculares.…”